Friday, June 9, 2017

Summer is eventually coming to Boston, and when it does, it's time for harbor cruises and visits to the Boston Harbor Islands. Thompson Island is also gearing up for the season. Thompson Island is open for one of two purposes: 1) a private event on the island, or 2) Outward Bound, an experiential education program for students.

The two are connected, and I recently visited the island on their Open House to learn more about both and the great cause the island is supporting! While the education center provides educational programs for students of all ages (corporate team building included), the private events that are booked on the island provide the funds needed for Outward Bound to offer FREE summer programs to Boston public school students!
The wonderful cause isn't the only draw for having your event on this island, though. Let's take a look at what they offer. The island is a mile off of downtown Boston and takes about 30 minutes with the Boston Harbor Cruises ship.
It was nice to get off the boat and head to our own private island - at least for the evening.

The open house is held at one of the main event spaces, the Waterfront Pavillion. The space can hold up to 225 people and is right in front of the beach.
They did a great job during the open house showcasing the different types of events they can set up for. From elegant dinners (e.g. weddings, corporate galas), ...
... to a casual lobster boil (their most popular type of event, actually)
The island can accommodate larger events, as well, at the Ocean Bluff Pavilion. The two main tents can easily hold 400 people total, but additional tents can also be set up and there's enough space for 2000.
There are a number of overnight lodging available as well, from a 5-bedroom Colonial house that bridal parties normally opt for to dormitories that can host up to 160 people. These dorms are where the students stay during their multi-day summer programs.
OK, now, the food. The food was quite good and they feature a lot of local New England produce.
We had a buffet of appetizers, bacon-wrapped scallops (one of my favorites of the evening), clam chowder, and the biggest cocktail shrimp ever!
They had prepared a few dessert options, but I only had room for one and opted for tiramisu.

Oh, and S'mores. There's always stomach space for S'mores on the beach!
I can definitely see how lovely a private event at Thompson Island would be! It's a special experience to take the boat, have the island (or at least an exclusive portion of the island) just to yourself and your friends, eating and drinking by the ocean while looking at the Boston skyline!

And all the proceeds go towards giving Boston public school students a science education.